What changes will I see?
Becoming stable and supporting himself
Your baby's becoming much more stable and he's able to sit upright in a supported position so he'll seem much less fragile. He appears more alert and he's able to support his head. You won't need to support his head any longer as own his head control has developed further. He can turn his head to the side if something is interesting although, if he attempts this too fast, it may be a little wobbly.
Trying a more hands on approach
Your baby will be able to use his hands more successfully and you'll notice that this increases his inquisitiveness. Wanting to explore his surroundings at this stage he'll pull and push at whatever he can reach. He'll also place objects in his mouth as a way of learning and exploring the texture and temperature. Keep an eye out for any small items and be sure to keep them away from him so he can't swallow them.
Being more active
Your baby will seem more active overall. Although he can’t get around he'll appear much more lively. You’ll see this in everything, from his excited giggling to his facial expressions.
Beginning to lift and roll
Your little one can now lift his head to 90 degrees when placed on his tummy. He may be able to raise himself up on his arms or roll over from his front to his back and over again.
Hand-eye coordination
His hand eye coordination is developing and he’ll love waving his rattle about, although there'll be times when the toy accidentally flies out of his hand. This improved coordination means that he can spot objects that are near and reach for them.
Developing his memory
He'll begin to remember how to play with a particular toy in a particular way as his memory increases. He'll begin to be fascinated with mirrors and, although he doesn’t understand that it's his reflection, he likes looking at himself reflected back.
Broadening his speech
Your baby’s language development is coming on leaps and bounds, he'll now make consonant sounds, like ‘ba’, ‘ga’ and ‘da’, alongside the vowel sounds he has already been making. As a way of learning language he'll try to copy the sound of what you say and these early noises are an exciting lead up to his first word.
Are there any other changes I can look out for?
- Changes in reflexes – The ones present at birth, like the grasp reflex, will vanish altogether this month allowing your baby to choose when to grip and release.
- Attention seeking – Your baby will try to get your attention whenever he can using facial expressions and sounds. He likes to see your positive response when he does this.
- Sleeping pattern - Your baby's now sleeping only 13 or 14 hours a night and is awake for longer during the day.
- Growing personality – You’ll be able to tell your baby’s likes and dislikes easily as he will make it obvious which toys and games he prefers to play
What can I do with my four month old that he will enjoy?
Support him with cushions, a bouncy seat or baby chair
Your baby’s back muscles are becoming stronger but he still needs support to sit. Propping him up will mean he can look around which he will really enjoy.
Play interactive games
Playing games with your baby is important for his development. Peek-a-boo is perfect for babies of this age. Let your baby see you, hide behind your hands and appear again to see him burst out laughing. He’ll also love being tickled and smiled at. There are so many exciting games that you can play.
Have bath time fun
Your baby loves bath time playtime so make the most of this time together. He still needs firm support so he doesn't slip. Take care to use bath products that are kind on his sensitive skin.
Play with squeaky and squeezy toys
These toys will be a favourite as your little one will be fascinated by the sounds that he can get them to make.
Test his memory
Put his increasing memory to the test by showing how to play with a toy, let him play few minutes and remove the toy for a couple of days. When he sees the toy again he'll remember what to do.
Pause when you speak
Your baby will become active when you talk to him so pause when you speak this gives him the chance to respond and he’ll start to babble back at you
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